Guest Post by Angelica: The positives of receiving mail & the Chronic Warrior Collective

In late 2017, I was at a bit of a low point. I was overwhelmed with taking college classes and battling with the symptoms that come along with being a full time chronic illness warrior. I felt stuck and I felt like I did not have friends that truly understood what I was feeling every day.

I remember searching on Google one day “online groups for young adults who have chronic illnesses”. As I scrolled through the long list of search results that were displayed before me, my eyes locked in on the words “My Chronic Connection” (which is the former name of what is now The Chronic Warrior Collective). I remember saying to myself, “This is it!”

So, I joined the Chronic Warrior Collective in 2017, and shortly after I signed up to participate in the Chronic Warrior Card Swap. The idea of receiving snail mail or “happy mail” as I like to call it, literally made my heart so happy. I would soon start to write/send and receive “happy mail” from chronic illness warriors all around the world (i.e. various cities in the United States, Canada, Belgium, the United Kingdom & Australia, just to name a few). I have made friends from all over the world and I have met some of my closest friends through the Card Swap. And, you know what the greatest feeling I get from participating in the Chronic Warrior Card Swap is? The exhilarating feeling that I still feel whenever I receive a card or letter in the mail is that almost four years later, I am still able to be a part of something that I didn’t even know I needed.

I honestly believe that in this life — which we are so blessed to have, we should always find a way to uplift and encourage one another as we were meant to do life together, not alone. The Chronic Warrior Card Swap does just that. It has allowed me to be able to make lifelong friends who understand what it is like to battle the daily struggles of chronic illness. It has also enabled me to uplift and encourage my chronic illness warrior friends by sending them “happy mail” that will brighten their day and bring a smile to their face. This is the epitome of what the Chronic Warrior Card Swap means to me.

I invite you to come join me in sending some “happy mail” this holiday season. Register by Nov. 30th to participate in December’s Holiday themed card swap.*

* If you don't celebrate the holiday season you can opt to receive and send non-holiday themed mail; you can select this perforce when you sign up to the Chronic Warrior Collective Card Swap scheme.

To join in and sign up go to the Chronic Warrior Collective Card Swap sign up.